Crawford replaces Associate Justice Brian Burgess, who recently announced his retirement from the five-member court.

Shumlin praised Crawford for fairness and rigor and said he has distinguished himself during his time on the Superior Court bench.

Crawford is a graduate of Yale and Harvard Law School. The Burlington resident, a father of five, has won community service awards from the Howard Center and Mercy Connection, and currently serves on the boards of Vermont Dismas and the New England Organ Bank.